What you must know about your first job
Jun 17, 2007
SHORTLY after graduation and when the pomp fades off, it is time for you to start the next phase of your life. You will begin your first ‘real job.’<br>
By Charles Bwogi
SHORTLY after graduation and when the pomp fades off, it is time for you to start the next phase of your life. You will begin your first ‘real job.’
Most of what you learnt in school will not prepare you for this. You need an internship in corporate education experience to be ahead of your peers.
However, there is a big difference between being a student at work and being an employee. More will be expected of you.
The following are some of the rules that will help you at the world of work.
Rule number 1: Listen and Observe
Always listen and observe before suggesting any changes. While innovation is a good thing, it is important to be mindful of dynamics of the workplace.
If you are entering an environment where routines are already in place, a newcomer walking in and talking about ‘better ways’ to do things, will often be met with negative reactions. Why? First, you know nothing about why they do things the way they do.
Secondly, you haven’t gained the trust of your co-workers. Finally, people, by nature, are threatened by change.
By listening and observing, you will gain a lot. You will learn about the environment of which you are now a part.
Rule 2: Beware of the office troublemaker
Every office has one. The office troublemaker is the one who comes up to you on your first day and says something like this: “The boss is always nice to new employees.
Wait till you've been here awhile.†The office troublemaker is the one who tends to stir up trouble and then pretend to have nothing to do with it.
Listen to what this person tells you, but do not comment. There may be truth to what he or she says, but it may be greatly exaggerated.
Rule 3: Mind your manners
A story is told of a woman who went for an interview somewhere.
In the middle of the interview, this woman reached into her bag and pulled out a water bottle. She took a big gulp of water right in the middle of the interview.
On an interview and in the workplace, you should know that people may not remember your politeness, but they certainly will remember rude behaviour.
Also, save off colour jokes and stories for your friends. They have no place in the workplace.
Rule 4: Keep your ear to the grapevine but do not contribute to it.
The grapevine should be considered the unofficial office newsletter. It is important to pay attention to what is being said.
You can gain valuable insight into office dynamics, co-workers’ personalities, and who to stay away from on a particular day.
It is more important not to contribute to the grapevine. This holds especially true when you are new. You don’t want to begin your career with a reputation for being a gossip.
And remember how small a world it truly is. Your reputation can follow you for years to come.
SHORTLY after graduation and when the pomp fades off, it is time for you to start the next phase of your life. You will begin your first ‘real job.’
Most of what you learnt in school will not prepare you for this. You need an internship in corporate education experience to be ahead of your peers.
However, there is a big difference between being a student at work and being an employee. More will be expected of you.
The following are some of the rules that will help you at the world of work.
Rule number 1: Listen and Observe
Always listen and observe before suggesting any changes. While innovation is a good thing, it is important to be mindful of dynamics of the workplace.
If you are entering an environment where routines are already in place, a newcomer walking in and talking about ‘better ways’ to do things, will often be met with negative reactions. Why? First, you know nothing about why they do things the way they do.
Secondly, you haven’t gained the trust of your co-workers. Finally, people, by nature, are threatened by change.
By listening and observing, you will gain a lot. You will learn about the environment of which you are now a part.
Rule 2: Beware of the office troublemaker
Every office has one. The office troublemaker is the one who comes up to you on your first day and says something like this: “The boss is always nice to new employees.
Wait till you've been here awhile.†The office troublemaker is the one who tends to stir up trouble and then pretend to have nothing to do with it.
Listen to what this person tells you, but do not comment. There may be truth to what he or she says, but it may be greatly exaggerated.
Rule 3: Mind your manners
A story is told of a woman who went for an interview somewhere.
In the middle of the interview, this woman reached into her bag and pulled out a water bottle. She took a big gulp of water right in the middle of the interview.
On an interview and in the workplace, you should know that people may not remember your politeness, but they certainly will remember rude behaviour.
Also, save off colour jokes and stories for your friends. They have no place in the workplace.
Rule 4: Keep your ear to the grapevine but do not contribute to it.
The grapevine should be considered the unofficial office newsletter. It is important to pay attention to what is being said.
You can gain valuable insight into office dynamics, co-workers’ personalities, and who to stay away from on a particular day.
It is more important not to contribute to the grapevine. This holds especially true when you are new. You don’t want to begin your career with a reputation for being a gossip.
And remember how small a world it truly is. Your reputation can follow you for years to come.